Representative Dawa Tsering interacted with more than 150 students from mainland China, studying at the Tunghai University in Taizhong last Monday.

Some of the students argued that Tibet has always been part of China, to which Representative Dawa Tsering responded saying when there is nothing common between Tibetans and Chinese-different nationality, language, religion and culture this leaves less room for such blatant claims. Rep Dawa gave a detailed presentation on the historical status of Tibet.

Another question raised was when Tibet under China has witnessed a great deal of economic development and has seen tremendous improvement in the living standards of the Tibetan people, how can the exile Tibetan administration claim to represent the Tibetan people in Tibet? Representative Dawa Tsering replied that China’s Tibet policy is essentially colonial in nature.

“It’s very important to directly discuss the Tibet issue with these students who are in a way China’s best and brightest and will shoulder the future of their country, What matters most is that they are taking great interest in issues related with Tibet.”said Dawa Tsering.

There were also some Chinese students who openly said that their views were somewhat different from those expressed by their fellow student compatriots.

Inspired by the passionate exchanges between the speaker and the Chinese students, many Taiwanese students also raised questions about the concerns over the future of cross-strait relations.

Representative Dawa Tsering said that in order to gain the respect of Taiwanese people, China must first respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of its own people.

He further added that browbeating and bullying will only invite a resounding backlash from the people of Taiwan.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Taiwan-